My Greatest Holiday Memory

The best time of the year

When all the family is near

The tree is beautifully decorated with tinsel, lights, and more

The remnants of a good time still piled across the floor

We gather to celebrate the year that has made a special mark

And preparing to welcome the new one about to start

The table is full of the traditional foods, drinks, and trays of crackers and jam

Shrimp cocktails, pretzels rods, sliced cheese, turkey and ham

Grandma believed that the key to a prosperous, healthy new year

Started with a full stomach, laughter and cheer

The music is streaming from the radio and the children dancing about

The sounds of giggling and merriment throughout

The best time of the year is approaching with no time to waste

The last hour of the night all the items are in place

Dick Clark on the TV live in Times Square

The world focusing on the hundred-pound ball floating in air

Our family has a similar tradition we celebrate every New Year’s Eve night

We gather in the living room at eleven fifty nine

The youngest child of the family will welcome us into the day of fresh

As he or she is dressed in their Sunday best

The balloon above is filled with colorful glitter and confetti

The baby is lifted towards the ceiling with pure avidity

Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six!

Mom and Dad help the baby hold the stick

Five! Four! Three! Two! One! Happy New Year

The balloon is pooped and all around a roar of cheer

We embrace one another while singing Auld Lang Syne

My greatest memories this time of year are always called to mind